ABANDONMENT OF TENANCY AND TENANT LOCKING-UP PREMISES IN NIGERIA: LEGAL ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Tenancy relationship involves the holding of interest in land or property by a tenant
under a tenancy agreement. The tenancy relationship is a common occurrence in
Nigeria, with a substantial portion of the population participating in landlord-tenant
arrangements. However, disputes often arise from issues related to the termination
of tenancy or the recovery of premises. The paper is aimed at examining the legal
aspects of the abandonment of tenancy and tenant locking-up premises in Nigeria.
The paper employed the doctrinal methodology, examining relevant statutes, case
law, and scholarly literature. The findings of the paper revealed that tenants often
abandon properties in Nigeria and keep keys with third parties or even to themselves
without the consent of the person having the immediate estate in reversion, in the
hope that they have surrendered possession.The paper concluded that the
abandonment of tenancy and tenant locking-up of premises pose significant
challenges. Legal processes must be followed to ensure justice and protect the rights
of both parties. The paper therefore, recommended that the Nigerian government
should review and strengthen the existing legal framework to ensure it adequately
addresses the issue of tenants abandoning premises.